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Abstract:

A web-based system that may enable the use of a network-enabled mobile
device to interact with and remotely control web content on a
network-enabled display device. The mobile device may connect to the
display device via a server. The mobile device may send communications to
the display device to control an application running on the display
device. In response, the display device may send communications to the
mobile device to update an application running on the mobile device. The
mobile device may be untethered to the display device.

Claims:

1. A system comprising: at least one server configured to: host a primary
website, the primary website configured to be displayed within a primary
web browser on a network-enabled display device; communicate with the
network-enabled display device using a display channel connection;
communicate with a network-enabled mobile device using a client channel
connection; create a temporary association between the network-enabled
mobile device and the network-enabled display device, the temporary
association being based on information received from the network-enabled
mobile device; operate as a temporary link between the network-enabled
display device and the network-enabled mobile device; receive at least
one message from the network-enabled mobile device; send at least one
instruction to the network-enabled display device in response to the at
least one message received by the network-enabled mobile device; and
permit the network-enabled mobile device to interact with and control an
application loaded within the primary web browser and displayed on the
network-enabled display device.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the at least one server is configured
to host a secondary website, the secondary website configured to be
displayed within a secondary web browser on the network enabled mobile
device, the secondary website further configured to, when accessed by the
secondary web browser, load an application into the secondary web browser
which enables the network-enabled mobile device to communicate with the
at least one server and interact with and control the application loaded
within the primary web browser on the network-enabled display device.

3. The system of claim 1, wherein the at least one server is further
configured to permit the network-enabled mobile device to switch an
application loaded within the web browser on the network-enabled display
device to a different application based on at least one communication
received from the network-enabled mobile device.

4. The system of claim 1, wherein the at least one server is further
configured to: communicate with a plurality of network-enabled mobile
devices using a plurality of client channel connections; operate as a
temporary link between the network-enabled display device and the
plurality of network-enabled mobile devices; and enable the plurality of
network-enabled mobile devices to simultaneously interact with the
application loaded within the primary web browser on the network-enabled
display device.

5. The system of claim 1, wherein the at least one server is further
configured to: receive messages from the network-enabled display device;
and send messages to the network-enabled mobile device in response to the
messages received from the network-enabled display device.

6. The system of claim 1, wherein the at least one server is further
configured to support usage of external services available from a
plurality of third party service providers.

7. The system of claim 1, wherein the primary website is further
configured to support usage of external services available from a
plurality of third party service providers.

8. The system of claim 2, wherein the secondary website is further
configured to support usage of external services available from a
plurality of third party service providers.

9. The system of claim 2, wherein the primary website and the secondary
website hosted on the at least one server share resources and services.

10. The system of claim 1, wherein the server is configured to
communicate with a native application installed on the network-enabled
mobile device, the native application enabling the network-enabled mobile
device to communicate with the at least one server and interact with and
control the application loaded within the primary web-browser on the
network-enabled display device.

11. The system of claim 1, wherein the at least one server is further
configured to: send update data to the network-enabled mobile device, the
update data associated with the application loaded in the primary web
browser on the network-enabled display device; update content of an
application loaded in the network-enabled mobile device; and enable
interaction between the application loaded in the network-enabled mobile
device and the application running and displayed in the primary web
browser on the network-enabled display device.

12. The system of claim 2, wherein the at least one server is further
configured to: send update data to the network-enabled mobile device, the
update data associated with the application loaded in the primary web
browser on the network-enabled display device; update content of an
application loaded in the secondary web browser; and enable interaction
between the application loaded in the secondary web browser and the
application running and displayed in the primary web browser on the
network-enabled display device.

13. The system of claim 1, wherein the at least one server is further
configured to supply a list of available applications that are loadable
and displayable within the primary web browser on the network-enabled
display device and controllable by the network-enabled mobile device.

14. The system of claim 1, wherein the primary website hosted on the at
least one server is further configured to: display a catalog of available
applications that can be navigated; enable selection of an application
from the catalog; and enable loading of the selected application into the
primary web browser, such that the navigation and selection is performed
by the network-enabled mobile device.

15. The system of claim 1, wherein the at least one server is further
configured to enable a user of the network-enabled display device to
select between a plurality of applications for display on the
network-enabled display device.

16. The system of claim 4, wherein the at least one server is further
configured to update the plurality of network-enabled mobile devices
temporarily connected to the network-enabled display device when an
application on the primary web browser on the network-enabled display
device is switched.

17. The system of claim 16, wherein the at least one server is further
configured to: send a message indicating an application switch to the
plurality of network-enabled mobile devices when the application on the
primary web browser on the network-enabled display device is switched;
and load new content onto the plurality of network-enabled mobile
devices, the new content enabling the plurality of network-enabled mobile
devices to interact with and control the new application loaded into the
primary web browser and displayed on the network-enabled display device.

18. The system of claim 1, wherein the at least one server is further
configured to: communicate with a plurality of network-enabled mobile
devices using a plurality of client channel connections; operate as a
temporary link between the network-enabled display device and the
plurality of network-enabled mobile devices; and enable the plurality of
network-enabled mobile devices to simultaneously interact with and
control the application loaded within the primary web browser on the
network-enabled display device; and enable one of the plurality of
network-enabled mobile devices to access at least one feature unavailable
to others of the plurality of network-enabled mobile devices.

19. The system of claim 1, wherein the at least one server is further
configured to allow expansion of content and functionality by third party
developers, wherein the expansion comprises an addition of applications
for display via the primary website on the network-enabled display device
and corresponding controllers for display within a native application or
web application on the network-enabled mobile device.

20. The system of claim 1, wherein the at least one server is further
configured to enable a locking of the network-enabled display device,
wherein the locking prevents each of the network-enabled mobile devices
associated with the network-enabled display device from switching the
current application running in the primary web browser of the
network-enabled display device.

21. The system of claim 1, wherein the at least one server is further
configured to support a distribution of advertisements to a plurality of
network-enabled mobile devices.

22. The system of claim 1, wherein the primary website is further
configured to support the display of advertisements.

23. The system of claim 2 or 10, wherein the application on the
network-enabled mobile device is further configured to enable the display
of advertisements.

24. The system of claim 1, wherein the at least one server is further
configured to validate payment when a user of the network-enabled mobile
device desires to interact with an application including fee-based
content.

25. The system of claim 24, wherein the at least one server is further
configured to enable and support a payment process made by the user via
an application on the user's network-enabled mobile device.

26. The system of claim 1, wherein the temporary association between the
network-enabled mobile device and the network-enabled display device is
based on a network IP address of the network-enabled mobile device.

27. The system of claim 1, wherein the temporary association between the
network-enabled mobile device and the network-enabled display device is
based on an identifier associated with the network enabled display device
and transmitted by the network-enabled mobile device.

28. The system of claim 1, wherein the temporary association between the
network-enabled mobile device and the network-enabled display device is
based on a proximity between the network-enabled mobile device and the
network-enabled display device.

29. The system of claim 1, wherein the information received by the at
least one server from the network-enabled mobile device is based on a
geo-location of the network-enabled mobile device.

30. The system of claim 1, wherein the information received by the at
least one server from the network-enabled mobile device is based on
credentials of a user operating the network-enabled mobile device.

31. The system of claim 4, wherein the at least one server is configured
to receive messages from the network-enabled display device and, in
response, send messages to a plurality of associated network-enabled
mobile devices.

32. The system of claim 1, wherein the primary web browser includes
functionality for creating the display channel connection between the
primary web browser and the at least one server.

33. The system of claim 1, wherein the primary web browser includes the
functionality for creating the display channel connection between the
primary web browser and the at least one server via an add-on available
on the primary web browser.

Description:

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims priority to and the benefit from U.S.
Provisional Application No. 61/583,459, filed on Jan. 5, 2012, U.S.
Provisional Application No. 61/511,007, filed on Jul. 22, 2011, and U.S.
Provisional Application No. 61/447,575, filed on Feb. 28, 2011. These
applications are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties.

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] This description relates to connecting an untethered
network-enabled mobile device to a network-enabled display device and
allowing the mobile device to control an application running on the
display device.

BACKGROUND

[0003] In systems where information is presented on a display device,
there is often a tethered human interface device (HID) that is dedicated
to the system which includes the display. For example, in a personal
computer, a wired keyboard is often tethered to the personal computer,
such that any information typed on the keyboard is passed to the tethered
system and processed, after which a result of the interaction may affect
the output on the display. With the advent of Bluetooth and other
wireless communication protocols, information displayed on the screen of
a personal computer may be input via a wireless keyboard or mouse. In
this instance, the wireless devices are typically dedicated to the system
of the display.

[0004] Similarly, in mobile telephones, information input on the
telephone's input device typically appears on the screen of the mobile
phone. In both instances, the input device is either wired or wirelessly
tethered to the system which includes the display. These connections
between input devices and displays may be referred to as "permanent"
inasmuch as the input device does not have the capability of migrating
temporarily to typically disassociated displays In addition theses
devices are typically dedicated for the specific purpose of use as input
devices for the systems to which they are tethered.

[0005] Likewise, when multiple gamers simultaneously play a game on a
gaming console associated with a display, each gamer typically uses a
dedicated controller device "permanently" tethered to the console through
either a wired or wireless connection.

SUMMARY

[0006] In accordance with the disclosure, there may be provided a system
having server(s) configured to host a primary website, the primary
website configured to be displayed within a primary web browser on a
network-enabled display device. The server(s) communicate with the
network-enabled display device using a display channel connection and
communicate with a network-enabled mobile device using a client channel
connection. The server(s) create a temporary association between the
network-enabled mobile device and the network-enabled display device, the
temporary association being based on information received from the
network-enabled mobile device. The server(s) also operate as a temporary
link between the network-enabled display device and the network-enabled
mobile device, and receive at least one message from the network-enabled
mobile device. The server(s) further send at least one instruction to the
network-enabled display device in response to the at least one message
received by the network-enabled mobile device. Additionally, the
server(s) permit the network-enabled mobile device to interact with and
control an application loaded within the primary web browser and
displayed on the network-enabled display device.

[0007] According to the disclosure, there may also be provided a method
that includes providing a client channel connection between a network
enabled mobile device and server(s), and enabling a user of the
network-enabled mobile device to send at least one message to the
server(s) via the client channel connection. The at least one message
enables the creation of a temporary link between the network-enabled
mobile device and a network-enabled display device, and causes the
server(s) to send a first instruction over to the network-enabled display
device via a display channel connection between the server(s) and a
network-enabled display device. The first instruction affects a control
of a display of information on the network-enabled display device.

[0008] Numerous additional features of systems and methods according to
the disclosure are described and claimed in the following Detailed
Description and are incorporated into this Summary by reference.
Therefore, this Summary should be considered exemplary only, and not
restrictive of the invention, as claimed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] FIG. 1A is a block diagram showing an exemplary system for remotely
controlling web content.

[0010]FIG. 1B is a block diagram showing an exemplary system illustrating
different types of connections allowing for the remote controlling of web
content.

[0013]FIG. 3 is a flow chart showing an exemplary method allowing a user
to access and interact with a primary website when the user is the first
to connect.

[0014]FIG. 4 is a flow chart showing an exemplary method allowing a user
to access and interact with a primary website when other users have
previously connected.

[0015]FIG. 5 is a flow chart showing an exemplary method allowing a
channel owner to switch an application on the display device.

[0016]FIG. 6 is a flow chart showing an exemplary method allowing a user
to connect to an advertisement displayed on a display device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0017] Various exemplary embodiments are now described with reference to
the accompanying drawings. A number of exemplary embodiments provide
technology and methods for permitting one or more users of mobile
wireless devices such as cell phones, smart phones, tablets, laptops,
netbooks, augmented reality glasses (or any other wireless device
connected to a network) to temporarily interact with and control content
on a network enabled display device. For example, embodiments of the
invention may permit mobile phone users to control content on display
devices in public spaces or to control content on private display devices
that are not permanently tethered or otherwise dedicated to the user's
mobile device. This may enable, for example, a user to interact with an
advertisement, game, media, or other content displayed on a public
display, or to interact with content on a private display, such as in a
home or other private establishment.

[0018] With some embodiments, multiple users may use their individual
mobile devices to simultaneously (or sequentially) interact with the same
or similar content on a network-enabled display. Thus, for example,
multiple users each using their own wireless mobile device, may be able
to play a game on a single network-enabled display in a public or private
space. Similarly, embodiments may enable multiple mobile device users to
interact with content displayed on multiple networked display devices in
proximity to each other or remote from each other.

[0019] FIG. 1A illustrates an exemplary system 10 for remotely controlling
web content according to the present disclosure. The system may be
capable of delivering and exchanging communications between server(s) 20,
display device(s) 30, and mobile device(s) 40 through a network 50. The
display device(s) 30 and mobile device(s) 40 may be client systems to the
server(s) 20.

[0020] For example, some embodiments may include at least one server
configured to provide certain functionality. The functionality may be
accomplished, for example, using a single server in a single location;
multiple servers in a single location; or multiple servers in multiple
locations. When multiple servers are employed, they may cooperate to
provide the same or similar functionality, they may each provide separate
functionality, or they may share some functions and divide others. Thus,
in the example of FIG. 1A, the illustration of server(s) 20 is intended
to schematically represent each of these alternatives.

[0021] In a broad sense, a server may be a computer program running on a
computing device to serve the requests of other programs or "clients".
Additionally or alternatively, a server may include a physical computing
device for running one or more services.

[0022] The at least one server 20 may include one or more of resource
servers 21, services servers 23, channel servers 25, application servers
27, database servers 29 and/or any other server type. A resource server
21 may be a dedicated web server that may host a variety of web
resources. Examples of web resources may include HTML, Flash, Unity3D,
Java, PHP, JS, Media files, and/or other similar files types or
protocols. The resource server 21 may communicate with one or more
display devices 30 and mobile devices 40 through a network 50. In some
embodiments, the resource servers 21 may provide to both the displays 30
and mobile devices 40 the resources they require upon request.

[0023] In some embodiments, one or more services servers 23 may provide a
variety of services to the display device 30 and the mobile devices 40.
The services may include authentication services to regulate user access
to a some website or web platform. The services may also include user
application management services that manage a user's use of a specific
application; billing services for applications containing fee-based
content which require user payment in order to access some or all
features and/or content of the application ; messaging and/or email
services that enable users to communication with each other using email,
SMS, MMS, IM, or other messaging protocols; and application services and
database services that provide the user access to a variety of
applications and data. Additionally, services may include social network
services that enable users to access social networking technology (e.g.,
Facebook, MySpace, Twitter, Google+) and share their experience and/or
find other users with connectivity to the one or more servers;
advertisement services that enable the presentation of general ads to the
public or personalized ads to a specific user; and backend services
supporting the running of applications and/or developer and/or publisher
backend services supporting application development and/or distribution
and management by third party developers and/or publishers.

[0024] In some embodiments of the invention, one or more channel servers
25 may create and manage communication channels to display device(s) 30
and to the one or more mobile devices 40. The channels may act as an
abstract transport layer and route communication between different client
elements. The display device 30, mobile devices 40, and one or more
servers 20 may communicate with each other using these channels.

[0025] The channel servers 25 may be designed for scalability and
redundancy. This may enable various channel servers 25 to communicate
with each other and synchronize state information, and may also enable
channel migration and recreation when a specific channel server's
resources have reached their limit or the server has malfunctioned. The
channel servers 25 may also be designed for symmetric scalability. By way
of example, an additional channel server may be loaded to the system when
all existing channel servers are fully utilized. Once the new channel
server is online, it may query the other channel servers, and existing
channels may be migrated to the new channel server to assist with load
balancing. In some further embodiments, channel servers 25 may also
implement some form of "garbage collection." This may enable the channel
server to mark channels as free when no client is connected and may free
the channel resources to be used by other active channels.

[0026] In FIG. 1A, the noted functionality of server(s) 20 is exemplary
only. Not all of the functions noted are necessarily required to be
included in at least one server. Moreover, additional server
functionality may be included without departing from the scope and spirit
of the embodiments.

[0027] Some embodiments may involve one or more display devices 30. By way
of example, a display device 30 may be a computer monitor, an electronic
billboard, a television screen, laptop screen, tablet device such as an
iPad or any other mechanism, connectable to a network, for conveying
visual and/or audible information. For simplicity, in FIG. 1A, the
illustrated display device(s) 30 is intended to schematically represent
each of the foregoing display device options.

[0028] The display device(s) 30 may be network-enabled display devices,
that is, display devices which may connect to the server(s) 20 through a
network 50. A network 50 may include, for example, the Internet, WANs,
LANs, analog or digital wired and wireless telephone networks (e.g.,
PSTN, ISDN, DSL, 3G, 4G), radio, television, cable, satellite,
combinations of the forgoing, and/or any other delivery mechanism that
enables the transport of data. In FIG. 1A, the illustrated network 50 is
intended to schematically represent each of the foregoing and/or
combination of the forgoing network options.

[0029] Embodiments may involve at least one mobile device 40. By way of
example, a mobile device 40 may include a cell phone, laptop, netbook,
tablet, iPad, iPod Touch, pager, smart phone, wireless radio, a generic
controller apparatus, augmented reality glasses, custom controller
apparatus, or any other mobile device capable of transmitting information
via a network. Mobile device(s) 40, as illustrated schematically in FIG.
1A, are intended to illustrate one or more of these options.

[0030] The mobile device 40 may include a mobile display. For example, the
mobile display may be the screen of a cell phone, smart phone, laptop,
netbook, tablet, iPad, iPod Touch. The mobile display may enable
navigation/control functionality. Additionally or alternatively, a mobile
device may enable navigation, control, and/or data input using a
graphical user interface (GUI), touch screen or a button, joystick,
trackball, or other input mechanism.

[0031] As illustrated in FIG. 1A, display device(s) 30 may connect to the
server(s) 20 through a network 50 via display channel connection(s) 32.
Similarly, mobile device(s) 40 may be network-enabled mobile devices,
that is, mobile devices which may connect to the server(s) 20 through a
network 50 via client channel connection(s) 42. These channel connections
may enable the display device(s) 30 to send and receive communications to
and from the server(s) 20. Similarly, mobile device(s) 40 may send and
receive communications to and from the server(s) 20 by use of their
channel connections. By way of example, such connections may enable the
routing of messages between a single mobile device and a single display
device, a single mobile device and multiple display devices, multiple
mobile devices and a single display device, and/or multiple mobile
devices and multiple display devices. The channel connections may also be
connected to a single application logic that may be hosted on an
application server 27. In some embodiments, the display device 30 may
host the application logic.

[0032] Channel connections may be established, for example, through use of
a channel server 25. Channel server 25 may create a new channel or use a
free channel. The channel server 25 may register and unregister a
specific display device 30 for connection to server(s) 20. The channel
server 25 may send a message or payload from mobile device(s) 40
accessing the server(s) 20 via a client channel connection 42 to a
display device 40. The channel server 25 may further send a message or
payload to and from the display device to one or more mobile devices 40
connected via the server(s) 20 to a display device 30.

[0033] In some embodiments, a channel ID may be assigned to a channel or
to a display channel connection 32 after creation or assignment by a
channel server 25. A mobile device 40 may use the channel ID to connect
to the channel servicing a particular display device 30. Once a mobile
device 40 is connected via channels to a display device 30, that mobile
device 40 may be enabled to communicate and interact with the display
device 30 via the channel server 25.

[0034] Multiple alternative protocols may be used for triggering an
initiation of communication between a particular mobile device 40 and a
particular display 30, and the invention, in its broadest sense, is not
necessarily limited to any particular protocol.

[0035] By way of example only, an application running on a display device
30 may display a code associated with the display (or application running
in the display). A mobile device user may then enter the code into the
user's mobile device 40, thereby triggering a connection to be
established between a particular display device 30 (or application
running on the display) and the user's mobile device 40. By way of
another example, a proximity detection mechanism in the user's mobile
device 40 and/or in the display device 30 may indicate when a mobile
device is in proximity to a display device 30. This may then trigger an
auto-connection or an invitation to accept a connection. The proximity
detection mechanism may be software-based and/or may include hardware
such as GPS, RFID, Bluetooth, a Network Card, NFC, or other hardware that
may enable proximity detection. The proximity detection mechanism may
identify display devices that are in close proximity to the mobile device
and may enable connection to them. In another example, a user of a mobile
device may be notified of display device(s) 30 possibly matching one or
more of the user's predefined interests, and a connection may thereafter
be either automatically established or established by accepted
invitation.

[0036] Alternatively, a camera within a mobile device 40 may recognize a
location and/or a screen display 30 and/or a bar code or other identifier
displayed on the display 30, causing the system to trigger a connection
or a connection invitation. Additionally or alternatively, a camera or
other identification device associated with the display device 30 may
identify the mobile device user, and may trigger the system to establish
the connection. Such identification may occur, for example, through use
facial recognition or through a sensor that identifies the user or mobile
device in proximity. Moreover, linkage between a mobile device 40 and a
display device 30 may occur through a combination of the forgoing
mechanisms.

[0037] In some embodiments. at least one server 20 may create a temporary
association and establish a session between a network-enabled mobile
device 40 and a network-enabled display device 30, the temporary
association being based on information received from the mobile device
40. The temporary association may be created as a result of the existence
of a connection over one or more display channel connection(s) 32 and
client channel connection(s) 42 as previously discussed. The association
is referred to as temporary, because it is not a permanent linkage. That
is, at some time after the session is complete, a mobile device 40 may
become disconnected from the display device 30 to which it was previously
connected.

[0038] The temporary association may be based on information received from
the mobile device 40. Such information, as discussed earlier, may be any
information that facilitates identification, including, for example, a
code entered on the mobile device 40 identifying the display or
application running on the display device 30, selection of an identifier
displayed on the mobile device associated with the display device, a
signal received by the display device 30 from the mobile device 40, a
signal received by the mobile device 40 from the display device 30, a GPS
or other location signal, an image from which location can be
ascertained, or any other information that may enable one device to link
up with another.

[0039] This temporary linkage or association may occur, for example,
through channel server 25 which may create a client channel connection 42
to a mobile device 40 that has connected to a particular channel related
to a particular display device 32. The mobile device may be able to
select a channel, for example, over the Internet or other network 50. In
some embodiments of the invention, the mobile device 40 may send a
message or data to the server 20 in order to communicate with the server
20 to create the client channel connection 42.

[0040] The channel may have a unique ID associated with the channel. The
unique ID may allow one or more mobile devices 40 to interact with a
display device 30 via network 50 by using the unique ID to connect to the
channel. In one exemplary embodiment, the unique ID may be displayed on
the display device 30. In some embodiments, the mobile device 40 may
include identifying information that may allow it to connect to the
display device 30. This information may include, for example, a unique
device ID or network IP address, user credentials associated with the
user using the device or other similar identifying information. The
server 20 may use the information to create a client channel connection
42 with the mobile device 40.

[0041] After the mobile device 40 has connected to a channel, the server
20 may transform the mobile device 40 into a controller for a particular
application loaded onto the display device 30. A separate temporary
association may be created for each separate mobile device 40 that
connects to a channel associated with a display device 30. The temporary
association may be discontinued when the mobile device 40 disconnects
from the channel. In this way, a server 20 may operate as a temporary
link between the display device 30 and the mobile device 40. Once that
temporary link is broken, the mobile device 40 may have no connection or
other dedication to the display device 30, as the two are normally
disassociated from each other in the absence of a temporary link.

[0042] In some embodiments, the one or more mobile devices 30 may include
a web browser-equipped mobile device. By way of example, the mobile
device may be a cell phone, laptop, netbook, tablet, iPad, iPod Touch,
pager, smart phone, wireless radio, a generic controller apparatus, or a
custom controller apparatus connected to the Internet via a connection
such as Wi-Fi or cellular. A generic controller apparatus may have the
ability to interact with and control a variety of applications from a
predefined selection or protocol available to third party developers. For
example, a particular generic controller apparatus may be able to control
all applications developed by a particular third party developer. A
custom controller is developed specifically for a particular application.
For example, a particular custom controller apparatus may be a specific
gaming controller for a particular type of game.

[0043] In some embodiments, a mobile device 40 may be identified and the
user of the mobile device may be notified of display devices 30 in
proximity or in the same local network of the mobile device. By way of
example, a mobile device 40 may be identified by an IP address. In other
exemplary embodiments, the mobile device 40 may include a functionality
that may determine whether it is within a specified distance from a
display device 30. In some embodiments, the mobile device 40 may have a
proximity sensor that may be activated or deactivated. The proximity
sensor may find display devices that are in close proximity to the mobile
device and may enable connection to them. In some embodiments, the mobile
device 40 may include a functionality that may determine the geographic
location of the display devices and the mobile devices. By way of
example, GPS, NFC or other similar technology may be used.

[0044] In some embodiments, client channel connections 42 may be
established for communication between one or more servers 20 and the one
or more mobile devices 40. By way of example, these connections, along
with a display channel connection 32, may enable the routing of messages
between mobile devices 40 that are connected to the same display device
30. These channel connections may be established between a single display
device 30, a single application logic, and/or a plurality of mobile
devices 40. The display device 30 and the application logic may be hosted
on the same physical apparatus.

[0045] In some embodiments, a mobile device 40 may communicate with
another mobile device via a channel server. The mobile device 40 may
communicate with another mobile device through a channel. By way of
example, communications sent by mobile devices may be routed via the
channel server 25 based on the associated channel. Therefore, each mobile
device 40 is aware of the channel but is not directly aware of other
mobile devices 40 connected to the channel. The mobile devices 40 may
connect to the same channel and may broadcast messages to each other and
query information about each other via that channel.

[0046] In some embodiments, the channel server 25 may implement a channel
communication protocol. By way of example, this may be a dedicated
protocol for message transport that may be implemented in the application
layer of a network stack or in other similar ways. Mobile devices 40 and
display devices 30 may implement this protocol in order to communicate
with each other via client channels. Client channels may also be used to
synchronize, send and receive information between the clients and a
channel server servicing that channel. This may allow the clients to
update states. This may enable channel resources to be migrated to other
channel servers for better load distribution or enable the recreation of
previously existing channels. In addition, channel servers may have a
connection to services enabled by the services server, such as user
authentication, that may be utilized as needed. The channel communication
protocol may allow room for expansion to enable additional capabilities.

[0047] In some embodiments, the server 20 may receive at least one message
from the mobile device 40 over the client channel connection 42. In one
exemplary embodiment, the message may be a request to the server 20 to
connect to the server and be associated with a specific channel. The
message may request that the server 20 allow the mobile device 40 to
access an application on a particular display device 30. In one exemplary
embodiment, the message may comprise a command from the mobile device 40
to perform a certain function of an application running on the display
device 30.

[0048] In some embodiments, a server 20 may send, in response to the
message, at least one instruction to a display device 30 over the display
channel connection 32. In one exemplary embodiment, the instruction may
comprise a command to the display device 30 to perform an action
requested by an associated mobile device 40. By way of example, the
server 20 may send instructions that are associated with a particular
mobile device 40. When the server receives messages from a specific
mobile device 40, the server may instruct the display device 30 to access
content on a primary website hosted on the server 20 to be displayed on
the display device 30.

[0049] In some embodiments, the server 20 may permit the mobile device 40
to interact with the display device 30. By way of example, the server 20
may allow the mobile device 40 to act as a controller to send commands to
the display device 30 after the server 20 has enabled the mobile device
40 to connect to the associated channel. Examples may include commands by
the mobile device to navigate an application catalog, commands to select
an application from a catalog, and commands to control and interact with
certain functions of the loaded application (e.g., moving a player in a
game around the screen, selecting a card to play in a game of cards,
navigating menus and supporting the selection of items, and any other
interaction that is required by the application).

[0050]FIG. 1B illustrates an exemplary system 12 for remotely controlling
web content according to the present disclosure. The system illustrates
exemplary connections for delivering and exchanging communications
between server(s) 20, display device(s) 30, mobile device(s) 40, and
third party server(s) 90, through the network 50. The display device(s)
30 and mobile device(s) 40 may be client systems to the server(s) 20. The
third party server(s) 90 may manage services provided by one or more
third party service providers.

[0051] In some embodiments, the server(s) 20, display device(s) 30, mobile
device(s) 40, and third party server(s) 90, may be connected to the
network 50 via an ISP connection 65 connected to an ISP 60 and an
Internet backbone 70. In some embodiments, the connections may be via
wired, wireless, or cellular technology. By way of example, a display
device 30 may connect to an ISP connection 65 via a wired network 62
connected to a modem/router 63. The wired network 62 may be a LAN, WAN,
or other network. In another example, a display device 30 or a mobile
device 40 may connect to an ISP connection 65 via a wireless network 80
connected to a wireless modem/router 64. The wireless network 80 may be
Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or other wireless protocol. The wireless modem/router
64 may be a single entity or a separate wireless router 62 and modem 64
connected via a wired network 62. In another example, a display device 30
or a mobile device 40 may connect to an ISP connection 65 via a cellular
network 81 connected to a cellular provider 61. The cellular network 81
may be 3G, 4G, EDGE, or other cellular network.

[0052] In some embodiments, the server 20 may host a primary website. By
way of example, the primary website may include a set of related web
pages containing content or media including text, video, music, audio,
images, code, or other similar media that may be accessed and/or
displayed on a display device 30. The primary website may be hosted on at
least one web server 20, accessible via a network using a URL. In some
embodiments, the display may access the primary website and all further
interaction and control of display device 30 may be done via connected
mobile devices 40.

[0053] By way of example, the primary website 100 may comprise a graphical
user interface, as shown in FIG. 2A. The graphical user interface may be
displayed on the display device 30 and may enable a user to interact with
various selectable options to select some desired functionalities. These
functionalities may include logging into the primary website 100,
establishing a connection between a mobile device 40 and a display device
30, and interacting with applications on the display device 30.

[0054] In some embodiments, the primary website 100 may allow for the
display of categories and sub-categories of content. For example, these
categories may include a list or catalog of available applications and/or
games 110, a promotional and/or advertisement area 120, a search area 130
that allows searching a catalog of applications and that may cause the
display device 30 to change dynamically to show the results, application
and/or category descriptions 140, a channel ID 150 associated with the
channel enabling communication with the display device, and a logo area
160 for sponsors and/or the owner of the primary website. In a broader
sense, the primary website 100 may include any location or a group of
locations that permits a hosting of content, regardless of the content.

[0055] In some embodiments, a primary web browser 170 may enable access to
the primary website 100. The primary web browser 170 may run on the
display device 30. The primary browser 170 may include, for example, any
software application that enables retrieving, presenting, playing media,
executing code and traversing information resources on the Internet or
other network 50.

[0056] Embodiments may include a secondary website 200 hosted on the
server 20. By way of example, the secondary website may include a set of
related web pages containing content or media including text, video,
music, audio, images, code, or other similar media that may be accessed
and/or displayed on a network-enabled mobile device. The secondary
website may be hosted on at least one web server, accessible via a
network using a URL. In one exemplary embodiment, the secondary website
may be the same as the primary website. In another exemplary embodiment,
the secondary website may be different than the primary website. In
another exemplary embodiment, the secondary website may contain content
similar to the primary website 100 but in a form conducive to display on
a mobile device 40. In another exemplary embodiment, the secondary
website 200 and the primary website 200 may share resources, services,
content, media, code, images, audio, video or other similar media or
data.

[0057] By way of example, the secondary website 200 may comprise a
graphical user interface, as shown in FIG. 2B. The graphical user
interface may be displayed on the mobile device 40 and may enable a user
to interact with various selectable options to select some desired
functionalities. These functionalities may include logging into the
secondary website 200, establishing a connection between a mobile device
40 and the server(s) 20, creating an association to a channel and
creating a temporary link to a display device 30 associated with that
channel, and interacting with applications displayed in the web browser
on the display device 30.

[0058] In some embodiments, the mobile device 40 may use the secondary
website 200 to interact with and control an application catalog 140 or an
application loaded and displayed in a web browser on the display device
30 available via the primary website 100. The secondary website 200 may
then load a controller configuration 220 that a user may use to interact
with and control the application running in the web browser on the
display device 30. In one exemplary embodiment, the controller
configuration 220 may be generic and may be used to be compatible with
multiple applications. In another exemplary embodiment, the catalog or
loaded application may have a specific customized controller
configuration associated with and compatible to control only a particular
catalog or application. The controller configuration 220 may be loaded by
the secondary website 200 on the mobile device 30 when a user connects to
a display device 30 currently accessing the primary website 100. In some
embodiments, the controller configuration 220 may be used for one or more
of the following: navigating a catalog and available applications on the
primary website displayed on the display device, choosing an application
after locating the desired application, controlling and interacting with
the selected application, entering search keywords for searching within
the current application displayed on the display device, and joining an
existing application already loaded onto the display device.

[0059] In some embodiments, a secondary web browser 210 may enable access
to the secondary website 200. The secondary web browser 210 may run on
the network-enabled mobile device 30. The secondary browser 210 may
include, for example, any software application that enables retrieving,
presenting, playing media, executing code and traversing information
resources on the Internet or other network. The secondary web browser 210
may be the same as or different than the primary web browser 110.

[0060]FIG. 3 shows an exemplary method allowing a user to access and
interact with the primary website 100. A user may use a mobile device 40
to connect to a display device 30. In step 300, the user may open the
secondary web browser 210 on the mobile device 30 and connect to the
secondary website 200. In one exemplary embodiment, the user may enter
user credentials, such as a login name and/or a password, in order to
gain access to part or all of the features available via the secondary
website 200.

[0061] In some embodiments of the invention, the user may use a native
application installed on the user's mobile device 40 to communicate with
the server(s) 20 and interact with and control a display device. By way
of example, a native application may include an application loaded into
the mobile device's operating system or platform. In some embodiments,
the native application may be downloaded for a widely available mobile
platform such as iPhone, Android, Windows Phone 7, or Blackberry. In some
embodiments, the native application may have access to the secondary
website 200 in order to download and update controller configurations
available to the native application in order to allow the support of
interaction with and control of applications loaded and displayed on the
display device. In some embodiments, the native application can be
designed to support and enable all the features and functions available
via the secondary website as previously discussed. In some embodiments,
the native application may enable the user to use features of the mobile
device that may not have the ability to be implemented via a web
application. These features may include, for example, use of the mobile
device's camera, accelerometer, multi-touch services, and
geo-location/GPS services.

[0062] In some embodiments, the user may use a "mobile application" loaded
into the secondary web browser 210 to access the secondary website 200.
In some embodiments, the "mobile application" may be fully developed as a
web application in order to allow a user to interact with the mobile
platform without the need to install a native application on their mobile
device. The web application may allow the user to login to the secondary
website, connect to a display, set up profile settings, create user
events and invitations, access a message center, access a list of
friends, and access a list of played, purchased or available
applications. In some embodiments, the content of the web application may
support and/or include many of the currently available web technologies,
such as Flash, HTML5, Unity 3D, and any other suitable web technology.
Third party developers may be able to develop web applications in any
technology and choose the right development framework for their needs.

[0063] In step 310, the user may connect to a channel between the display
device 30 and a server 20 by use of a native application or web
application available on the mobile device. In one exemplary embodiment,
the user may enter a unique channel ID that is associated with the
display device 30 or the channel associated with the display device. Once
the user enters the channel ID, the server may establish a temporary
client channel connection between the mobile device and the server that
connects the mobile device to the channel between the server and the
display device.

[0064] The user may send messages to the display device 30 after the
user's mobile device 40 is connected to the channel. In step 320, using
the mobile device, the user may access the primary website displayed in
the primary web browser. In one exemplary embodiment, a default
controller configuration may be displayed on the user's mobile device
upon connection to a display. The user may navigate the primary website
displayed in the web browser on the display, make selections, interact
and control via the default controller configuration.

[0065] In some embodiments, the primary website 100 may include a list or
catalog of applications. In some embodiments, the catalog may be the
default first page that is displayed when a display connects to the
system. In a further embodiment, the catalog may be an application that
may act as the gateway to all other applications available on the
platform. In step 330, by way of example, the user may access the catalog
upon connecting to a display displaying the primary website. The user may
navigate the catalog and make selections via the default controller
configuration. In some embodiments, the catalog may comprise a scrollable
list of selectable graphics, each graphic representing a selectable
application. Using the catalog, the user may choose the specific
application that will be loaded from the catalog into the same display.

[0066] In some embodiments, a description may be displayed for different
entries in the catalog. By way of example, the entries may comprise
entries for category, subcategory, game name, application name, and other
similar listings. In some embodiments, the description may consist of a
visual representation or an auditory description. The description may
have a special area that may be displayed in the catalog and may present
the current location of the user in the catalog.

[0067] In some embodiments, the catalog may have a search capability. A
search area may enable the user to enter a keyword or numerical input on
the mobile device and perform a search of the entire catalog on the
display device. The search may provide search results of games,
applications, and other suitable results. In some embodiments, the search
results may be organized to display results based on relevancy. By way of
example, relevancy criteria may comprise exact match, partial match,
description match, and context match. In some embodiments, the search
results may be presented as a list of all found items. The list may be
presented in the catalog under a virtual category called search results.
In some embodiments, a maximum number of displayed search results may be
set. In some embodiments, the catalog may have generic navigation
capabilities. In some embodiments, a set of icons may be selected and
used to navigate through the catalog. By way of example, the user may use
these icons to move between categories, move from one tree level to
another, scroll or flip through a listing of games or applications, and
select a game or application.

[0068] Once the user has selected a desired entry from the catalog, the
selected application may be loaded into the primary web browser. In some
embodiments, the application may be a game, movie, interactive
advertisement, web application, or any other similar interactive software
application.

[0069] In some embodiments, the applications may comprise external
services. By way of example, these may be services hosted by third party
service providers on third party servers. The primary website 100 hosted
on the at least one server 20 may use external services directly from the
third party servers. By way of example, an application that may be
available in the catalog that may comprise external services is YouTube.
All the video content displayed within a YouTube application may be
available via an open source YouTube API available from the YouTube
website. Additional examples may comprise applications that access game
scoreboards using external services (e.g., online poker rooms) and VOD
applications such as Netflix, Hulu, and other similar applications.

[0070] In some embodiments, the desired application may include fee-based
content that requires payment in order to access the application content.
By way of example, the server may check if the user needs to submit
payment in order to access some selected applications, application
features or content. A payment process may be initiated, displayed on the
user's controller, and received by one or more servers if an application
contains fee-based content. In some embodiments, the payment transaction
may be submitted directly to the server(s) 20. In another embodiment, the
payment transaction may be performed by third party servers. In some
embodiments, at least one database, server, or service available to the
server(s) 20 may be updated to indicate a successful payment process. The
update may indicate that the purchased fee-based content should be
available to the purchasing user.

[0071] Once the application is loaded via the primary website into the web
browser on the display device 30, a controller configuration is loaded
into the web application or native application on the associated mobile
device(s) 40. The controller configuration may be a generic controller
configuration or a specific controller configuration compatible with the
application loaded onto the web browser 170 on the associated display
device 30. In step 340, the user may interact with and control the
application by entering inputs using the controller on the mobile device
and sending messages to the display device. The application is updated
based on the messages received from the mobile device.

[0072] In step 350, application update data may be sent from the display
device to the mobile device in response to the messages sent by the
mobile device or in response to changes in the application state. The
update data may dynamically update the display device and mobile devices
as an application is used and controlled by a user. The update data may
be sent by the display device to the mobile device. In some embodiments,
a portion of data displayed about the application may appear on the
display device and a portion of data may appear on the one or more mobile
devices while the mobile devices are interacting with an application on
the display device. Information displayed on the display device and/or on
the mobile devices may dynamically change as the application is
controlled. In some embodiments, the data presented on the mobile device
and the display device may be the same. In another embodiment, the data
presented on the mobile device may be different than the data presented
on the display device.

[0073] In some embodiments, multiple mobile devices may interact with the
application loaded on a display device. In some embodiments, multiple
mobile devices may control an application displayed on the display screen
at the same time. The data presented on each mobile device may differ
when a plurality of mobile devices are connected to a display device. For
example, an application may display private information on a mobile
device that may be particular to the specific user using the mobile
device.

[0074] In step 360, Once the user has finished the desired interaction
with the application currently displayed on the display device, the user
may exit or logoff the application on the mobile device to quit his
session or return to the application catalog to search for and select a
new application to interact with.

[0075]FIG. 4 shows an exemplary method allowing a user to interact with
an application that is already displayed on a display device. By way of
example, a user may see a display device running a game of interest to
the user and the user may desire to connect to the game and possibly even
join other users already playing the game whether on the same display or
separate displays. In step 400, the user may log into a mobile
application using his mobile device. In step 410, the user may connect to
the existing channel by entering the channel ID of the channel into the
mobile application. In step 420, the user may then access the application
available in the web browser on the associated display device once the
mobile device 40 has been connected to the channel. In step 430, the user
may then access the application on the display device using his mobile
device as a controller. In step 440, the mobile device may send messages
to the display device to interact with the application. In step 450, the
display device may send update data to the mobile device in response to
the messages sent from the mobile device. The user may interact with the
application as long as the application is loaded on the display device.
In step 460, when a user has completed the desired interaction he may log
out of or exit the application on the mobile device 40 and end his
session or quit the application on the display device 30 and return to
the catalog. In some embodiments of the method displayed in FIG. 4, the
user may not quit the currently running application to access the
application catalog or switch the application to another application.

[0076] In some embodiments of the invention, the mobile device may include
user capabilities enabling a user to become a "channel owner." The user
capabilities may allow the first user to connect to a display device to
become an owner device. In some embodiments, although other mobile
devices 40 may be connected simultaneously to the same channel and the
same display device 30, only the channel owner may be permitted to
interact with the catalog. In some embodiments, a channel owner may
decide when to leave a game and when to return to the catalog. The
channel owner may also decide which application to select. Once the
channel owner disconnects from the channel, the most senior mobile device
still connected to the channel may be promoted to channel owner.

[0077] In an alternative embodiment, if any connected user wants to exit
the current application and return to the catalog, all controllers may
receive a leave request. If a majority of users agree to exit the
existing application, the users may exit the application and return to
the catalog. If a majority of users do not agree, the application may
remain on the display, these are just a few examples of rules that can be
enforced in order to select a channel owner and/or grant the right to
specific features such as application switching that should be available
only to part of the users currently associated with the display.

[0078]FIG. 5 shows an exemplary method allowing a channel owner to change
the application on the display device 30. In step 500, the channel owner
may exit from the currently running application. This may be in response
to a decision by a channel owner or a majority decision by the other
users connected to the display device 30. In step 500, the channel owner
may access the catalog screen and navigate the list of applications 110.
In step 510, the channel owner may select an application from the
application catalog. Once the channel owner selects an application, the
new application may be loaded onto the display device to replace the
previously loaded application. In step 530, the channel owner and the
other mobile devices connected to the display device may then send
messages to the display device to interact with the application. In step
540, the mobile devices may receive update data from the display device
in response to the sent messages.

[0079] In some embodiments, the channel owner can select from within the
mobile application from a list of available applications that can be
switched to and loaded on the associated display, without the need to
switch back to the catalog on the display device. In this case the native
or web application on the mobile device can support a feature such as to
display a list of all available applications, recently played, purchased
or other categories, that can be navigated and selected directly on the
mobile device, such that when the selection occurs on the mobile device
the application is loaded on the associated display device.

[0080] In some embodiments, the primary website 100 may include a locking
feature. The locking feature may enable a display device 30 to be locked
within a specific application once that application is loaded onto the
display device 30. By way of example, locking the display device 30 may
not allow connected mobile devices 40 to exit the application, access the
catalog, or change the current application to another application. By way
of example, this feature may be specifically useful for the public domain
where an advertisement, game or any application may be displayed on a
public digital billboard and may be locked to the current application to
prevent prospective users from changing the displayed application. In
some embodiments, a display device 30 may be locked to present a some
advertisement for a specific predefined period of time, in which no other
advertisement may be displayed during that period of time.

[0081] In some embodiments of the invention, applications may include
advertisements that encourage users to buy goods or services. By way of
example, these may be user-controlled, interactive ads. These interactive
ads may include games or other interactive portions as part of the
advertisement.

[0082]FIG. 6 shows an exemplary method allowing a user to connect to an
advertisement on a display device. In some embodiments, the advertisement
is displayed on a public display device. The advertisement may be locked
to prevent the advertisement from being switched by users. In some
embodiments, the advertisement may publicly display information that may
be generalized to a general audience or personalized based on user
profile information detected from a mobile device of a user in the
vicinity of the advertisement.

[0083] In step 600, if a user desires to connect to the advertisement, the
user may log into the mobile application using his mobile device. In step
610, the user may connect to the existing channel by entering the channel
ID of the channel into the mobile application. In step 620, the user may
then access the application on the display device using his mobile device
as a controller. In step 630, the mobile device may send messages to the
display device to interact with the application. In step 640, the display
device may send update data to the mobile device in response to the
messages sent from the mobile device. In step 650, the user may interact
with the application as long as the application is loaded on the display
device. In step 660, the user may log out of the mobile application and
terminate his session when the user has completed the desired interaction
with the display device.

[0084] In some embodiments, a user may receive some virtual goods or
coupons that may be given to a user who accesses the advertisement. The
user may gain some virtual goods based on the user's interactivity with
the advertisement under some conditions defined by the advertiser. In
some embodiments, there may be no conditions for the receipt of virtual
goods. Earned virtual goods may be transformed into other online activity
of the user after leaving the advertisement. Similarly, earned coupons
may be redeemed by the user at selected locations or online as defined by
the advertiser. In some embodiments, the virtual goods and coupons may be
budget controlled by the advertisers and may be limited by amount, time,
or location.

[0085] In some embodiments, the platform may be configured to allow and
support the expansion of applications, that can be loaded and displayed
on display devices and controlled by mobile devices. By way of example:
Third party developers and/or publishers may have the option to develop
their applications and a controller components, ether generic or
customizable, based on common web technologies such as HTML5, PHP, Flash,
Unity3D, Java WebGL and any other web based technology and submit them to
be available on the platform via the catalog or elsewhere. In some
embodiments the developers and/or publishers may have the option to
select a revenue model, set a price tear for the applications or features
in their applications and optionally get access to statistics regarding
their application sales and/or usage.

[0086] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various
modifications and variations can be made in the disclosed systems and
methods without departing from the scope of the disclosure. Other
embodiments of the disclosed systems and methods will be apparent to
those skilled in the art from consideration of the specification and
practice of the systems and methods disclosed herein. It is intended that
the specification and examples be considered as exemplary only, with a
true scope of the disclosure being indicated by the following claims and
their equivalents.